Declaration of War with Great Britain
6/18/1812
Add to Favorites:
Add all page(s) of this document to activity:
With this Act of Congress, the United States declared war on Great Britain in the War of 1812.
For the early decades of the nation’s history, relations between the United States and Great Britain had remained strained. Their relationship deteriorated sharply with the outbreak of war in Europe in 1803. Britain imposed a blockade on neutral countries such as the United States. In addition, the British took American sailors from their ships and "impressed" them into the British Navy.
In Congress, southern and western Democratic-Republican "War Hawks," such as the new Speaker of the House, Henry Clay of Kentucky, and Representative John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, led the sentiment for war, calling for a defense of American interests and honor. On June 1, 1812, President James Madison asked for a declaration of war. Shortly afterward, Congress, despite the opposition of every Federalist, approved the declaration.
For the early decades of the nation’s history, relations between the United States and Great Britain had remained strained. Their relationship deteriorated sharply with the outbreak of war in Europe in 1803. Britain imposed a blockade on neutral countries such as the United States. In addition, the British took American sailors from their ships and "impressed" them into the British Navy.
In Congress, southern and western Democratic-Republican "War Hawks," such as the new Speaker of the House, Henry Clay of Kentucky, and Representative John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, led the sentiment for war, calling for a defense of American interests and honor. On June 1, 1812, President James Madison asked for a declaration of war. Shortly afterward, Congress, despite the opposition of every Federalist, approved the declaration.
Transcript
TWELFTH CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES;At the First Session,
Begun and held at the city of Washington, in the territory of Columbia, on Monday the fourth
day of November, one thousand eight hundred and eleven.
-
AN ACT declaring war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the
dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories.
-
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in
Congress assembled, That war be, and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of
America and their territories: And that the President of the United States is hereby authorized to
use the whole land and naval force of the United States ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, to carry the same into
effect; And to issue to private armed vessels of the United States Commissions or Letters of
Marque and General Reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the
United States, against the vessels, goods and effects of the Government of the Said United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof.
[signed] June 18. 1812
approved
James Madison
[signed] H Clay, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
[signed] Wm H. Crawford, President of the Senate, pro tempore.
[signed]I certify that this act did originate in the House of Representatives
[signed] Patrick Magruder, Clerk
This primary source comes from the General Records of the United States Government.
National Archives Identifier: 299950
Full Citation: Act of June 18, 1812, 2 STAT 755, Declaration of War with Great Britain, War of 1812; 6/18/1812; Enrolled Acts and Resolutions of Congress, 1789 - 2011; General Records of the United States Government, Record Group 11; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/declaration-war-with-great-britain, October 12, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.